The Best Performances of 2011

It’s true that the ultimate prize any actor can receive is an Academy Award. And yet, this year’s Oscars prove more than most that even the best performances can go overlooked. Seven of the top ten actors listed here were not nominated for an Academy Award, and only nine of the 20 actors who were nominated (for Best Actor in a Leading Role, Best Actress in a Leading Role, Best Actor in a Supporting Role and Best Actress in a Supporting Role) earned a place on this coveted list.

After all, FilmJabber’s list is coveted. Because we say it is, that’s why. Without further ado, here are the 20 best performances of 2011: